About Me

I am a married fifty-something Catholic. I volunteer in youth ministry. I live in Hampton Roads. I am a member of a Catholic parish in the Diocese of Richmond. I work in accelerator operations for the U.S. Department of Energy. I am also a sometimes professional writer, mostly of materials for Role Playing Games, especially of the science fiction RPG Traveller.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Feast of the Circumcision

Amy Welborn has some very interesting comments on January 1, the Feast of the Circumcision and its change to the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, or was it the other way around. Father Elijah's post is very informative, as are many of the others.Later in the comments it degenerates into pro/con on the Novus Ordo, but interesting none the less.I tend not to discuss or debate those issues on this blog. Both the Novus Ordo and Tridentine Mass are licit, though at the present time celebration of the Tridentine Mass requires an Indult. Contrary to popular belief the Novus Ordo can be said in Latin, with the Gregorian Chant used for the ordinary of the Mass, should the celebrant wish.I am more concerned with the Mass being said reverently and in accordance with whatever copy of the Missale Romanum is being used. This is never a problem with the Latin version, but has been with the Mass in the Vernacular. In my opinion this is a problem of catechesis, because if the faithful know what is licit and what is not it is likely to help put a stop to liturgical abuses. A parishioner who knows an abuse is happening and can site the proper reference on it is in a much better position to discuss the problem with his priest or even take the problem to the bishop if necessary. Most times it will not be necessary.I am lucky to have a priest who is a stickler for following the proper order of the Mass. I might not agree on all of the music choices he okays, and I might not agree with all of his administrative decisions, but I have confidence in his adherence to the Missal. He says the prayers as written and does the forms as required. That is a good thing.